Julian Sayin had a built-in backdrop for one of the season’s most eye-catching quarterback storylines.
The Ohio State quarterback, who is already being talked about as an early Heisman Trophy contender, spoke with reporters at the Manning Passing Academy, where the Buckeyes’ trip to Texas on September 12 was already hanging in the air. That game will put Sayin and Ohio State in Austin against Arch Manning and the Longhorns, giving the week in the Manning family’s orbit a little extra edge.
Sayin said he sees his own game through the lens of what he does well and what he’s spent the offseason sharpening.
“I think my processing ability is one of my strong suits. I also think my accuracy is one of my strong suits, and I think I’ve had a good offseason in improving my physical traits...playing for a guy like Coach Day, someone who’s a great quarterback developer and also just a great head coach and a great person.”
He also made it clear that being around Ryan Day means being pushed.
“I think you have to coach your best players hard, and you’ve got to expect the best out of them, so I expect to be coached hard.”
The setting added a layer of familiarity. Sayin said he had crossed paths with Arch Manning “maybe once or twice before,” mostly after games, and that he knew the Manning family “just a little bit.” He also had a previous connection with Peyton Manning from when Peyton was at Ohio State.
Now, though, he’s getting a much deeper look at the family and the football teaching that comes with it.
“I met Peyton when he was up at Ohio State. But getting to spend time with them has been great.
It’s been a lot of fun to spend time with these other college quarterbacks, learning from the Manning family, learning from Peyton, learning from Eli, they’ve been teaching whether it’s carrying out our fakes, how good can our fakes be, or the timing of things. It’s been awesome…It’s so much fun to spend time around other college quarterbacks that are here and learn from the Manning family, It’s kind of a fraternity down here.”
The Texas trip itself is already on his mind, and Sayin didn’t hide the appeal of stepping into that kind of atmosphere.
“Yeah, it’s a little warm. We’re excited about that matchup…It’s going to be hostile.
It’s going to be a tough environment. It’s going to be loud...they’re fast, they’re physical, we’re excited for the challenge.”
For Sayin, that’s exactly the kind of game he wants on the schedule.
“You want to play the best. You don’t want to play the team you’re going to beat by 35 points.
You want to play the best matchup, and you want to have exciting games and play against players that are going to be playing in the NFL. As a competitor, you want to play against the best people.”
He said Ohio State is carrying motivation from how last season ended.
“We’re playing with a chip on our shoulder. We don’t like the way that last season ended. You learn so much from the wins and losses and how you could have done things differently and what you would change.”
Sayin also pointed to the level of play in the Big Ten, calling it a conference that has produced major results and talent.
“I think the Big Ten is playing really good football, won the last three national championships, putting out really good NFL players and have great coaches in that conference. It’s a competitive conference. I love playing in it because I want to play against the best.”
Ohio State’s receiver room is another part of what he likes about the offense around him.
“Having guys like that in the receiver room is great. IIt helps you with your timing.
It helps you with understanding the game at the pass-game level. I love playing on a team where we have a lot of great players.”
There has also been work to do with a new voice calling the offense. Sayin said spring was about getting on the same page with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“We worked through some things in the spring. We have a new offensive coordinator, Coach (Arthur) Smith, and I think we’ve been meshing really well. It’s been fun to learn from each other, me and him, and I just can’t wait for the season.”
Asked about a teammate who could make a jump, Sayin quickly landed on linebacker Payton Pierce.
“One comes to mind is [linebacker] Payton Pierce. I think he’s going to have a really, really good season. He’s a really smart football player and a really talented player, so I’m excited about him.”
He also pointed to an old piece of advice from Chip Kelly that still sticks with him.
“I think about some advice my offensive coordinator Chip Kelly told me when I was a freshman…he would always say you can’t go broke taking a profit, don’t get greedy with the deep ball.”
And when it comes to what he loves most on Saturdays, Sayin kept it simple.
“Winning, for sure. Throwing touchdowns.
I think you have the most impact on the game. I love being in control.”
He closed with a quick message for Buckeyes fans.
“I’m just excited and we appreciate you guys. Go Bucks.”
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